Becoming a life master was a goal I shared with my beloved mother, Lila Gleitman. Crushingly, she died at the end of a bridge game (but not before she asked if we got any points). I’m very proud to share this achievement with Mom, my first and forever bridge partner. Mom and Dad taught my husband and me how to play bridge around the kitchen table. It wasn’t until after losing Dad that we started our journey with competitive bridge and the ACBL.

After losing Mom, I was lucky enough to meet a fabulous man, Bob Grinwis, who became my mentor and close friend. A Ruby Life Master himself, he patiently took the time to teach me things after each game – never judging, never making me feel bad about myself. I became a Life Master at the 2023 Lancaster Regional with Bob as my partner and Mom there in spirit.

I have been very, very fortunate to take bridge lessons with two superb teachers – John Dickenson and Joann Glasson. All four of these special people taught me to always play up and never give up. I look forward to many more days, months, and years at the bridge table.